Real travel insights before you book your next flight with Contour Airlines
Living in Charlotte comes with its fair share of airline frustrations—mainly thanks to American Airlines ruling the skies at CLT (they control around 90% of flights). So, when I caught wind that Contour Airlines, a lesser-known regional carrier from Smyrna, Tennessee, was expanding operations in Charlotte, I knew I had to check it out.
With fares that don’t make your wallet cry and a promise of less crowded cabins, I booked a weekend trip to test the experience myself. Here’s everything you should know before you fly Contour.
Note: I paid for my own ticket. This post includes affiliate links—if you click through and make a purchase, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I just returned from a quick escape to Paducah, Kentucky, and I’m here to dish out my honest experience. Let’s get into it.
ABOUT CONTOUR AIRLINES
Contour Airlines is part of Contour Aviation, a company that’s been around since 1982. What began as Corporate Flight Management is now a full-service aviation group, offering charter flights, aircraft maintenance, sales, and more.
The airline took to the skies in 2016, with a mission to simplify short-haul travel. Instead of fighting for space at major airports, they’re all about linking smaller communities with big city hubs. It’s like giving the underdog towns a first-class connection.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU FLY
Limited Destinations, Even More Limited Flights
Contour isn’t a national airline with endless options. They focus on quality over quantity, with just a few routes operating daily—sometimes even less. If you’re trying to make a connection through American Airlines, be ready for long layovers. But if your city’s on their map? You’ve struck gold.
Free Seat Selection—Finally!
No added charges for picking your spot. It felt oddly luxurious clicking through to select my seat without being prompted to cough up extra cash. Just note that seat selection may disappear if you’re connecting via another airline like American.
Pro tip: Check out my other travel guides to help you plan your next trip
Check-In Might Get Clunky
You can check in 24 hours before departure via their website or mobile app. But don’t expect high-tech efficiency—my emailed boarding pass came without a barcode, and the app was totally useless. Be ready to print your ticket or pick it up at the counter.
TSA PreCheck? Yes, Please
Good news: You can enter your Known Traveler Number when booking. If PreCheck is offered at your airport, your pass will reflect it. One less line to stress about!
Baggage Policy: Generous Yet Confusing
On paper, Contour’s baggage rules seem better than most. Every traveler gets a personal item and a carry-on, and if you book a Standard or Flexible fare, you also get a checked bag included. Not bad, right?
Here’s the hiccup: their listed carry-on dimensions (22 x 14 x 9 inches) conflict with their Contract of Carriage, which says 10 x 16 x 30 inches. That’s a huge gap. When in doubt, stick to the more conservative dimensions and save yourself a headache at the gate.
I packed my Solgaard Carry-On Closet and Away Everywhere Bag, while Michael opted for his Away Carry-On and a Day Owl Backpack. No issues checking or carrying them—until we reached the plane…
Spoiler: It Still Gets Gate-Checked
Contour’s regional jets come with tiny overhead bins. So unless your bag is the size of a large purse, it’s getting gate-checked. Don’t sweat it though—it’s a smooth process. Just make sure you pull out anything you need on board like meds, electronics, or valuables.
Every Seat Is a Win
No middle seats—ever. Thanks to Contour’s 2-1 layout on their 30-seat jets, everyone gets either a window, an aisle, or both. It’s surprisingly spacious, and the plush leather seats come with 36 inches of pitch, making even short flights feel far more comfortable than flying on a budget airline.
Comfortable Ride, But No-Frills
While the seats are cushy and the legroom is generous, don’t expect any in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi. These planes are old-school—no plugs, no screens, and only one flight attendant on board. But if you’re just hopping from one small city to another, you probably won’t even notice the difference.
Free Snacks and Drinks? Yes, Please
Contour keeps it classic with complimentary drinks (sodas, tea, or coffee) and your pick of a sweet or savory snack. I went with ginger ale and Biscoff cookies—because that’s just the right way to fly. Don’t expect alcohol onboard though; most of these routes are too short to justify it.
Lost Luggage: A Real Concern
On our way to Paducah, some passengers were told their gate-checked bags didn’t make it. Same thing happened to others on our return trip. Whether the issue was during connection or ground handling, it’s hard to say. But if you want to be safe, pack essentials like clothes and medications in your personal item. And maybe invest in an AirTag.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FLYING CONTOUR
If you’re flying from a smaller regional airport and Contour is your only choice, you’re actually in luck. The airline offers a surprisingly comfortable experience—closer to what legacy carriers used to feel like, minus the bells and whistles.
Yes, there are limitations: limited routes, inconsistent tech, and small aircraft. But the trade-off is worth it for short-haul regional travel. Plus, they have an interline agreement with American Airlines, making it easier to book multi-leg trips.
I’m definitely eyeing more of their flights from Charlotte: Muscle Shoals, Alabama; Paducah, Kentucky; Shenandoah, Virginia; Beckley, West Virginia; Clarksburg, Lewisburg, and Parkersburg, West Virginia. More trips—and reviews—to come!
Your Turn
What’s the smallest airplane you’ve ever flown on?
Got any questions about Contour Airlines I didn’t answer?
FAQs About Contour Airlines
1. Is Contour Airlines safe to fly with?
Yes, Contour Airlines is FAA-certified and adheres to all safety regulations. It operates Embraer regional jets maintained by its parent company, Contour Aviation, which has a strong reputation in aircraft maintenance.
2. Does Contour Airlines offer Wi-Fi or in-flight entertainment?
Unfortunately, no. Contour’s fleet does not currently offer Wi-Fi, onboard screens, or charging ports. Make sure your devices are fully charged and pre-loaded with entertainment before boarding.
3. Can you earn frequent flyer miles on Contour Airlines?
Not at this time. Contour Airlines does not operate a frequent flyer program. However, its partnership with American Airlines can help with ticketing and connections if you’re booking multiple flights.
4. Are the seats really more spacious?
Yes! The planes have only 30 seats in a 2-1 configuration, and each seat has 36 inches of pitch. That’s more legroom than many legacy carriers, and every seat is either a window or aisle.
5. What should I do if my gate-checked bag is lost?
Immediately visit the customer service desk at your arrival airport to file a claim. Keep important items in your personal bag and consider using an AirTag to track your luggage.
